Neurochemistry of olivocochlear neurons in the hamster.

The present study was conducted to characterize the superior olivary complex (SOC) of the lower brain stem in the pigmented Djungarian hamster Phodopus sungorus. Using Nissl-stained serial cryostat sections from fresh-frozen brains, we determined the borders of the SOC nuclei. We also identified olivocochlear (OC) neurons by retrograde neuronal tracing upon injection of Fluoro-Gold into the scala tympani.

[The ketogenic diet in German-speaking countries: update 2003].

Background: The ketogenic diet has been used for decades to treat intractable childhood epilepsies. It is also the treatment of choice for GLUT1 deficiency syndrome and pyruvate-dehydrogenase-complex-deficiency. Recent studies have once again confirmed the efficiacy of the diet, but the diet is hardly known in Europe and has never been quite accepted as an effective treatment of childhood epilepsy.

Ketogenic diet in Rett syndrome.

Treatment of Rett syndrome with the ketogenic diet has been reported only once and showed positive effects on seizure frequency and behavior. We report a patient with Rett syndrome who was treated with the ketogenic diet for 4 years. The diet was initiated at the age of 8 years owing to the patient's refractory epilepsy and led to a 70% reduction in seizures.

[Skin prick test results in snoring and sleep apnea patients].

Background: In allergic rhinitis, nasal obstruction is a typical symptom. Reduced nasal ventilation is thought to be one causal factor for sleep breathing disorders. Whether or not snoring individuals with or without sleep apnea show more frequent or stronger reactions in skin prick tests (SPT) compared to non-snorers has not been investigated yet.

Successful treatment of crocodile tears by injection of botulinum toxin into the lacrimal gland: a case report.

Objective: Pathologic lacrimation (crocodile tears) is a rare but stigmatizing symptom after facial nerve paralysis. The aim of this pilot study was to examine whether botulinum toxin injection into the lacrimal gland is effective in reducing pathologic tear secretion.

Design: Case report.